##ize the major japanese base at ra ##bau ##l and support the allied new guinea campaign . the landings initiated the six @ - @ month @ - @ long gu ##ada ##lc ##anal campaign . taking the japanese by surprise , by nightfall on 8 august the allied landing forces had secured tu ##lag ##i and nearby small islands , as well as an airfield under construction at lung ##a point ( 9 ° 25 ′ 45 ″ s 160 ° 3 ′ 4 ″ e ) on the north shore of the island of gu ##ada ##lc ##anal east of the present day capital of hon ##ia ##ra . van ##de ##gr ##if ##t placed his 11 @ , @ 000 troops of the 1st marine
##ize the major japanese base at rabaul and support the allied new guinea campaign. the landings initiated the six @ - @ month @ - @ long guadalcanal campaign. taking the japanese by surprise, by nightfall on 8 august the allied landing forces had secured tulagi and nearby small islands, as well as an airfield under construction at lunga point ( 9 ° 25 ′ 45 ″ s 160 ° 3 ′ 4 ″ e ) on the north shore of the island of guadalcanal east of the present day capital of honiara. vandegrift placed his 11 @, @ 000 troops of the 1st marine